Southern Cross of Honor for Charles Strahan, 21st Virginia Infantry / SOLD
The Southern Cross of Honor was a commemorative medal established in 1899 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor Confederate veterans. At least 78,761 were award from 1900 to 1959. The top bar has the name “Charles Strahan” inscribed, and patent markings on the reverse. Charles Strahan enlisted as a private in the 21st Virginia Infantry in May 1861. Suspended from the top bar is the Maltese cross with a laurel wreath at the center encircling a Confederate battle flag. The points of cross read, "UNITED DAUGHTERS CONFEDERACY TO THE U.C.V." The reverse of the cross has another laurel wreath at center with "DEO VINDICE 1861" over "1865". Each point of the cross as a word finishing the phrase, "SOUTHERN CROSS OF HONOR.” A nice ID’d example with a wonderful, uncleaned patina.
Charles Strahan:
Enlisted on 5/23/1861 at Richmond, VA as a Private.
On 5/23/1861 he mustered into "B" Co. VA 21st Infantry
He was discharged on 10/18/1861
He was described at enlistment as:
5' 10.0", blue eyes, brown hair
Other Information: born in Baltimore, MD
Twenty-first Virginia Infantry:
Gettysburg after battle report:
Report of Capt. W. P. Moseley, Twenty-first Virginia Infantry.
July 21, 1863.
Sir: The regiment, commanded by myself, formed line of battle on the left of Gettysburg on the evening of July 1, and remained i that position until about 6 p. m. of the 2d, when it advanced against the enemy, intrenched on the mountain in its front. The advance did not prove successful, and the regiment fell back about 8 o'clock to the branch at the foot of the mountain, where it reformed, and advanced a short distance, and there remained until 8 p.m. of the 3d, when it relinquished its position, being ordered to withdraw.
Casualties: Killed, 6; wounded, 34; missing, 10.*
Respectfully submitted.
WM. P. MOSELEY,
Capt., Comdg. [Capt. Reuben Cleary, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.]
Comes housed in a 5 x 6 inch display case with red velvet backing and descriptive card.
Inventory Number: CON 317 / SOLD